Upgrading an OS, changing an OS, Downgrading an OS?

[Brian V]

I was wondering something. This is the situation:



I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit. I just

called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a windows Vista or 7

upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear the system completely, and

re-install the original version of windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?



I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install, not buy

a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others have recommended

against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.



I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would be to

home premium also.



But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can never

downgrade. Unless it is to the xp professional or another version (the two

more expensive and higher end versions). I believe that the rep also said

this applies to windows vista, if I were to try and downgrade from Windows 7.



He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported. But for

some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is technical support

supplied.



What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my system, erase

the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and re-install windows - How can I

not re-install that old version of xp from the (or a) boot cd? Would some

sort of microsoft installed program prevent me from doing that? Or would this

be noted around the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it won't

validate?



People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and switch

OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who build computers

used, and do thsi regularly.



Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different. But I did pay for the OEM

Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be reinstalled on

the exact same computer.



I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable back-up.

And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it more. It looks cool.

But waht if after two weeks of it being on my computer, I want XP back? The

answer to my question is not to buy windows 7 and install. Please humor me

about Vista.



This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista or 7

64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told on the phone I

cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?



One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm not keeping

anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I can't put XP back on

here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how can this computer ever work

again? What if I tried Vista or 7 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my new

computer at that future date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this computer

to give away or sell?



Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I remove it

and place it onto another computer? Would the validation process work? It

would only be on one computer each time, I am not pirating an OS. It would

probably be a home premium version. I don't really need the other ones unless

they are on a cheap sale. I can/will call microsoft about this last

question. I just ran out of time, they closed.



Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Brian V wrote:

> I was wondering something. This is the situation:

>

> I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit.

> I just called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a

> windows Vista or 7 upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear

> the system completely, and re-install the original version of

> windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?

>

> I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install,

> not buy a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others

> have recommended against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.

>

> I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would

> be to home premium also.

>

> But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can

> never downgrade. Unless it is to the xp professional or another

> version (the two more expensive and higher end versions). I believe

> that the rep also said this applies to windows vista, if I were to

> try and downgrade from Windows 7.

>

> He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported.

> But for some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is

> technical support supplied.

>

> What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my

> system, erase the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and

> re-install windows - How can I not re-install that old version of

> xp from the (or a) boot cd? Would some sort of microsoft installed

> program prevent me from doing that? Or would this be noted around

> the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it won't validate?

>

> People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and

> switch OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who

> build computers used, and do thsi regularly.

>

> Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different. But I did pay for the OEM

> Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be

> reinstalled on the exact same computer.

>

> I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable

> back-up. And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it

> more. It looks cool. But waht if after two weeks of it being on my

> computer, I want XP back? The answer to my question is not to buy

> windows 7 and install. Please humor me about Vista.

>

> This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista

> or 7 64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told

> on the phone I cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?

>

> One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm

> not keeping anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I

> can't put XP back on here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how

> can this computer ever work again? What if I tried Vista or 7

> 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my new computer at that future

> date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this computer to give away

> or sell?

>

> Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I

> remove it and place it onto another computer? Would the validation

> process work? It would only be on one computer each time, I am not

> pirating an OS. It would probably be a home premium version. I

> don't really need the other ones unless they are on a cheap sale.

> I can/will call microsoft about this last question. I just ran out

> of time, they closed.

>

> Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.



First thing I noticed - you said, "I have XP Home premium" - yet - there is

no such product. Windows XP Home Edition, yes. There was no "Basic" or

"Premium" for Windows XP "Home Edition".



The representative was incorrect, wrong, ill-informed. It happens. You are

talking to someone that is, like everyone else on the planet, fallable.



If you were to upgrade your operating system using either *just* an upgrade

edition or a full edition (both being retail in this case - individual

purchased OEM versions of the OSes cannot perform upgrades) of a later OS -

as long as you kept the installation media and product key for the previous

OS - you could easily format using said media and return the machine to the

prior state, freeing up the *retail* license you have for the later OS

again.



I would not upgrade a Windows XP computer to any later OS unless it met a

few basic criteria.



- The original manufacturer (if an OEM like Dell, Lenovo, Gateway, etc)

supports said model fully under the OS I plan on upgrading to - meaning they

likely *sold* that computer with both the OS I currently have and the OS I

plan on going to and have drivers available for every single component

(motherboard chipset, video device, audio device, network device(s), etc and

so on.)



- If more of a hodge-podge of components or also including peripherals in

the mix, only if *each* component was also supported by the representative

manufacturer in the OS I planned on upgrading to (printers, camers, web

cams, scanners, etc.)



- The hardware specs are decently high. I would encourage 2+GB memory,

2+GHz dual-core processor power, 160+GB total space with 60+GB of that on

the C partition and a 128MB or greater (non-shared memory) video device.



- All of my software, from the major office suites and graphics applications

and music editing software to the minor webcam software and instant message

applications and media organization/storage software, is supported by the

manufacturer of said software under the new OS.



Why so picky? Why not?



Better to be so now than be disappointed and blame someone/something that

did not cause my lack of preparedness in the first place.



My advice to you...



- Do not purchase OEM licensed copies of the OS for your computer. Get

retail when all you are buying is the OS. The options it gives you for

installation/removal/moving to a different machine/etc cover the extra cost

in terms of your questions.



- Do not upgrade your OS unless you can pass through all my above

recommendations for hardware/software specifications and support.



--

Shenan Stanley

MS-MVP

--

How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

[LVTravel]

"Brian V" wrote in message

news:559ED83A-63D8-4A24-8111-EBEB1A6AD28A@microsoft.com...

> I was wondering something. This is the situation:

>

> I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit. I just

> called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a windows Vista

> or 7

> upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear the system completely, and

> re-install the original version of windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?

>

> I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install, not

> buy

> a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others have

> recommended

> against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.

>

> I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would be to

> home premium also.

>

> But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can never

> downgrade. Unless it is to the xp professional or another version (the two

> more expensive and higher end versions). I believe that the rep also said

> this applies to windows vista, if I were to try and downgrade from Windows

> 7.

>

> He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported. But for

> some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is technical support

> supplied.

>

> What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my system,

> erase

> the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and re-install windows - How can

> I

> not re-install that old version of xp from the (or a) boot cd? Would some

> sort of microsoft installed program prevent me from doing that? Or would

> this

> be noted around the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it won't

> validate?

>

> People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and switch

> OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who build

> computers

> used, and do thsi regularly.

>

> Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different. But I did pay for the OEM

> Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be reinstalled

> on

> the exact same computer.

>

> I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable

> back-up.

> And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it more. It looks

> cool.

> But waht if after two weeks of it being on my computer, I want XP back?

> The

> answer to my question is not to buy windows 7 and install. Please humor me

> about Vista.

>

> This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista or 7

> 64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told on the phone

> I

> cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?

>

> One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm not

> keeping

> anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I can't put XP back

> on

> here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how can this computer ever work

> again? What if I tried Vista or 7 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my

> new

> computer at that future date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this

> computer

> to give away or sell?

>

> Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I remove it

> and place it onto another computer? Would the validation process work? It

> would only be on one computer each time, I am not pirating an OS. It would

> probably be a home premium version. I don't really need the other ones

> unless

> they are on a cheap sale. I can/will call microsoft about this last

> question. I just ran out of time, they closed.

>

> Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.





Before you start on any of this ensure that you have all program

installation disks and license keys, data backed up to an off-computer

device, original installation media and drivers for your current version of

Windows. Then and only then should you explore any of the options you

desire.



You can always reinstall (from scratch) an operating system that came with

the computer (OEM) which in your case would be XP Home. The license key is

on the sticker somewhere on the computer and you would also need the

original installation media provided by the computer manufacturer along with

all the XP drivers. You can not revert any operating system to XP by doing

the same type of process as an upgrade. Reverting from a newer operating

system to an older operating system (Vista to XP) always requires a total

clean reinstall.



Before contemplating any upgrade to Vista you need to ensure that Vista (or

Win 7) 32 or 64 bit drivers are available for all the hardware in the

computer and also that any and all programs you currently use are compatible

with the version of Vista (or Win 7) that you would be installing. Download

and run the Vista Upgrade advisor to determine what will be required for a

Vista upgrade:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx



For Win 7 here is the Win 7 upgrade advisor

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...familyid=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15



You can upgrade XP Home to any 32 bit version of Vista without a total

installation. It may work and most times it will but there are times when

the drive would need to be erased and then Vista installed. You can use a

Vista upgrade disk to install using either the upgrade method or a total

install method. You would need the XP disk to put in the machine if using

the upgrade method (there is a way to also use the Vista disk to qualify for

the upgrade.)



You can not upgrade from XP Home (32 bit software) to Vista or Win 7 64 bit

software. That is always a clean install and you would probably need a

retail full license in that case.



Hope this answers your questions. Any more please post.

 

[Rich Barry]

Brian, you can do a clean install of your OEM XP as many times as you

want as long as it's on the computer that it's tied to. Shenan where are

you? You explain this a lot better

than I can.

Anyway, if you want to try Vista, Win7 or even Linux you can do it. If

you don't like any of them you can format and do clean install of WinXP OEM.

You can do a dual boot

and have both WinXP and Win7 installed and choose which one you want to

use. I THINK not sure you can do a clean install of a upgrade version of

Vista or Win7.

So say you have problems with the upgraded version of Vista down the

line. You can wipe that clean ( format ) and do a clean install of Vista.

You can always go back to WinXP

A retail version of Vista will allow you to move it to another computer.

An upgrade version will not ( I think?? ). Hope I answered some of your

questions. OH, and you can use

a 32bit WinXP and a 64bit Vista in a dual boot or revert back to WinXP

from a 64bit version of Vista, 7.





"Brian V" wrote in message

news:559ED83A-63D8-4A24-8111-EBEB1A6AD28A@microsoft.com...

>I was wondering something. This is the situation:

>

> I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit. I just

> called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a windows Vista

> or 7

> upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear the system completely, and

> re-install the original version of windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?

>

> I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install, not

> buy

> a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others have

> recommended

> against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.

>

> I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would be to

> home premium also.

>

> But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can never

> downgrade. Unless it is to the xp professional or another version (the two

> more expensive and higher end versions). I believe that the rep also said

> this applies to windows vista, if I were to try and downgrade from Windows

> 7.

>

> He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported. But for

> some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is technical support

> supplied.

>

> What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my system,

> erase

> the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and re-install windows - How can

> I

> not re-install that old version of xp from the (or a) boot cd? Would some

> sort of microsoft installed program prevent me from doing that? Or would

> this

> be noted around the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it won't

> validate?

>

> People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and switch

> OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who build

> computers

> used, and do thsi regularly.

>

> Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different. But I did pay for the OEM

> Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be reinstalled

> on

> the exact same computer.

>

> I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable

> back-up.

> And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it more. It looks

> cool.

> But waht if after two weeks of it being on my computer, I want XP back?

> The

> answer to my question is not to buy windows 7 and install. Please humor me

> about Vista.

>

> This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista or 7

> 64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told on the phone

> I

> cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?

>

> One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm not

> keeping

> anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I can't put XP back

> on

> here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how can this computer ever work

> again? What if I tried Vista or 7 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my

> new

> computer at that future date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this

> computer

> to give away or sell?

>

> Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I remove it

> and place it onto another computer? Would the validation process work? It

> would only be on one computer each time, I am not pirating an OS. It would

> probably be a home premium version. I don't really need the other ones

> unless

> they are on a cheap sale. I can/will call microsoft about this last

> question. I just ran out of time, they closed.

>

> Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7



Although it's referred to as an upgrade, it's really a "custom (advanced)

install."



And yes, you can "undo" the "upgrade" by doing a clean install of WinXP.





Brian V wrote:

> I was wondering something. This is the situation:

>

> I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit. I just

> called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a windows Vista

> or

> 7 upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear the system completely, and

> re-install the original version of windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?

>

> I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install, not

> buy

> a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others have

> recommended

> against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.

>

> I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would be to

> home premium also.

>

> But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can never

> downgrade. Unless it is to the xp professional or another version (the two

> more expensive and higher end versions). I believe that the rep also said

> this applies to windows vista, if I were to try and downgrade from Windows

> 7.

>

> He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported. But for

> some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is technical support

> supplied.

>

> What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my system,

> erase

> the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and re-install windows - How can

> I

> not re-install that old version of xp from the (or a) boot cd? Would some

> sort of microsoft installed program prevent me from doing that? Or would

> this be noted around the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it

> won't validate?

>

> People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and switch

> OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who build

> computers

> used, and do thsi regularly.

>

> Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different. But I did pay for the OEM

> Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be reinstalled

> on

> the exact same computer.

>

> I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable

> back-up.

> And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it more. It looks

> cool.

> But waht if after two weeks of it being on my computer, I want XP back?

> The

> answer to my question is not to buy windows 7 and install. Please humor me

> about Vista.

>

> This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista or 7

> 64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told on the phone

> I

> cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?

>

> One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm not

> keeping

> anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I can't put XP back

> on

> here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how can this computer ever work

> again? What if I tried Vista or 7 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my

> new computer at that future date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this

> computer to give away or sell?

>

> Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I remove it

> and place it onto another computer? Would the validation process work? It

> would only be on one computer each time, I am not pirating an OS. It would

> probably be a home premium version. I don't really need the other ones

> unless they are on a cheap sale. I can/will call microsoft about this

> last

> question. I just ran out of time, they closed.

>

> Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

On Fri, 5 Feb 2010 18:30:03 -0800, Brian V

wrote:



> I was wondering something. This is the situation:

>

> I currently have an OEM computer that came with Windows XP 32-bit. I just

> called Microsoft and asked the rep: if I were to install a windows Vista or 7

> upgrade onto this computer, can I later clear the system completely, and

> re-install the original version of windows XP from the boot dvd-rom?

>

> I was encouraged to go with the upgrade from my current XP install, not buy

> a new full-version OS. People on this site and a few others have recommended

> against the upgrades, and to do the clean installs.





Leaving aside the merits of doing an upgrade or not (although I almost

always recommend at least trying the upgrade when it's possible) note

that it is *not* possible to upgrade from XP to Windows 7. A clean

installation is necessary (although if XP is installed, you can use

the Upgrade disk to do the clean installation).





> I have XP Home premium. If I put a vista upgrade on here, it would be to

> home premium also.

>

> But, the rep told me that once I install that Vista upgrade, I can never

> downgrade.





That's correct. Downgrades are never possible.



However you *can* clean install XP again, if you have the media and

product key for it.





> Unless it is to the xp professional or another version (the two

> more expensive and higher end versions). I believe that the rep also said

> this applies to windows vista, if I were to try and downgrade from Windows 7.

>

> He mentioned something about XP and Vista are no longer supported. But for

> some issues and for a fee in certain situations there is technical support

> supplied.

>

> What I do not understand is: If I were to completely erase my system, erase

> the OS, and start from absolutly nothing and re-install windows - How can I

> not re-install that old version of xp from the (or a) boot cd?





You can.





> Would some

> sort of microsoft installed program prevent me from doing that?





No.





> Or would this

> be noted around the product key, and when I tried to validate it, it won't

> validate?





No.





> People build computers all the time as a hobby and erase stuff and switch

> OS's. They don't always upgrade an OS. There are people who build computers

> used, and do thsi regularly.

>

> Maybe since I have an OEM, it's different.





No.





> But I did pay for the OEM

> Operating System. I did pay for the computer. And it would be reinstalled on

> the exact same computer.





That's the only such issue with OEM versions. You can't install them

on another computer. But since you don't want to install it on another

computer, it's not relevant here.





> I am curious mainly due to a potentialy need to re-install a stable back-up.

> And what if I really don't like Vista? I want to try it more. It looks cool.

> But waht if after two weeks of it being on my computer, I want XP back?





You can put XP back. No problem.



But in my view, two weeks is *way* too little for you to make such a

decision. Give yourself enough time to get accustomed to the

differences and improvements in any new version of Windows.





> The

> answer to my question is not to buy windows 7 and install. Please humor me

> about Vista.







Your choice of course, but in my view, it makes much more sense to get

the newer and better version of Windows--Windows 7--than Vista.





> This is also a concern I have about just installing Windows Vista or 7

> 64-bit to see what happens on my computer. I think I was told on the phone I

> cannot revert back to the XP 32-bit?





Correct. You can never upgrade or downgrade to a version of Windows

with different "bitness."



However you can always do a *clean* installation of anything you want,

including a version of Windows with different "bitness."





> One day I plan to sell or give this computer away. Obviously I'm not keeping

> anything from this computer, except some hardware. If I can't put XP back on

> here, and maybe put a Vista 32-bit upgrade how can this computer ever work

> again? What if I tried Vista or 7 64-bit and removed it to put it onto my new

> computer at that future date? I cannot put the old OS back onto this computer

> to give away or sell?





Again, you *can* put it back.







> Also: If I wanted to try Vista or 7 64-bit on my computer: Can I remove it

> and place it onto another computer?





If it's a retail copy, yes. If it's an OEM copy, no (that's the

biggest disadvantage of OEM copies).





> Would the validation process work? It

> would only be on one computer each time, I am not pirating an OS. It would

> probably be a home premium version. I don't really need the other ones unless

> they are on a cheap sale. I can/will call microsoft about this last

> question. I just ran out of time, they closed.

>

> Thank you. I have tried to be very clear, I hope it helps.



--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

 

[Brian V]

Excellent. All of my questions are answered.



Ok, Media center edition.



Yes, I will put in as much RAM as this motherboard can handle, taking in

account the 32-bit limit. I'm not planning on running multiple OS's. I have

concidered it. That's good to know about a 32-bit and 64-bit OS on the same

system, I wondered that. I will get a retail 64-bit OS. Does anyone know

where I can get info on how to do that (dual-boots)? What happens?, lag

time?, updates for multiple os's or individually?, system requirements?,

longer start-up?. I know I'd need paritioned drives or multiple hard-drives.

Do I just switch between each OS at will, or do I ned to power one down and

power the other up?



The Vista 32-bit upgrade I have says: There's a warning on the front "saying

backup and clean install may be required, see back of box for details." But I

think that is if I had a lesser version of vista on here. For XP it's not the

same.



If I just updated XP to Vista or 7: Would the Windows updates only get the

Vista/7 ones now or XP too? Is my system more stable since I have so many XP

updates up to today for instance? Or is that irrelevant?



Worst case scenarion: I sell the Vista upgrade and I take no loss or a

small loss since this Vista upgrade is not even opened, and I got it on sale

a while ago. Someone may want it. (?) Then Vista 64-bit or Windows 7 it is.



I can't bame the rep much. He tried. He was helpful and polite. I didn't

have my questions ready enough, and I may have been a bit muddled. If/when I

call them again, I will be more prepared. It was late too, had to call before

close time.



I have run the upgrade advisors. I am aware of what needs to be updated, or

what is in need of drivers. Some programs I have will work in windows 7, not

vista. It's still sketchy in windows 7. And yes a few will (might) work in

Vista. Compatability mode can do it for a few in Vista or 7.



Now I don't want to run and have to replace every single piece of software I

have. Some will be in the near future. I have gotten the product life out of

it and need new stuff. Some I have not, and am really trying to use to get

Vista on here or 7. I can't rush though. I am sure I will be fine, yet I need

to keep on learning, and be able to recover faster if there is a problem. I

have gotten plenty of advice and help on this forum, mostly. Thank you again.

Jsut kinda bored doing so much computer stuff, I want to do something

else...........



In the case of drivers: I thought I can just get those through automatic

updates, or by going into control panel - hardware - device manager - right

click and properties on said hardware - driver - update driver. Won't that

automatically update them? The thing is: I did download the drivers form

Acers site for my computer. I noticed some of them worked on my system, but

were outdated. I did this process I listed above, and got a newer one. I

really don't think some of those drivers are needed from the manufactures

site. Maybe in most cases, but.......any thoughts or comments?

 

[Daave]

Brian V wrote:

> Excellent. All of my questions are answered.

>

> Ok, Media center edition.

>

> Yes, I will put in as much RAM as this motherboard can handle, taking

> in account the 32-bit limit.



In case you missed my other post to you...



Brian, how do you use your PC? Unless you do work that requires loads of

RAM (e.g., image or video editing on a professional or near-professional

level), you do not need any more RAM than you currently have. Just

something to consider...



> I'm not planning on running multiple

> OS's.



This means you will either stay with XP (which is what I would

recommend) or you will shift to either Vista or Windows 7. Both Vista

and Windows 7 require more RAM than XP so I guess I can see the value of

adding more RAM. Still, what is your goal? What do you believe you can

accomplish with either one of these OSes that you cannot currently

accomplish with XP?



XP is very good, stable OS, and it will continue to be in "extended

support" mode for another four years. If I were you, I would just keep

it as it is.



> I have concidered it. That's good to know about a 32-bit and

> 64-bit OS on the same system, I wondered that. I will get a retail

> 64-bit OS. Does anyone know where I can get info on how to do that

> (dual-boots)? What happens?, lag time?, updates for multiple os's or

> individually?, system requirements?, longer start-up?. I know I'd

> need paritioned drives or multiple hard-drives. Do I just switch

> between each OS at will, or do I ned to power one down and power the

> other up?

>

> The Vista 32-bit upgrade I have says: There's a warning on the front

> "saying backup and clean install may be required, see back of box for

> details." But I think that is if I had a lesser version of vista on

> here. For XP it's not the same.

>

> If I just updated XP to Vista or 7: Would the Windows updates only

> get the Vista/7 ones now or XP too? Is my system more stable since I

> have so many XP updates up to today for instance? Or is that

> irrelevant?

>

> Worst case scenarion: I sell the Vista upgrade and I take no loss or

> a small loss since this Vista upgrade is not even opened, and I got

> it on sale a while ago. Someone may want it. (?) Then Vista 64-bit or

> Windows 7 it is.

>

> I can't bame the rep much. He tried. He was helpful and polite. I

> didn't have my questions ready enough, and I may have been a bit

> muddled. If/when I call them again, I will be more prepared. It was

> late too, had to call before close time.

>

> I have run the upgrade advisors. I am aware of what needs to be

> updated, or what is in need of drivers. Some programs I have will

> work in windows 7, not vista. It's still sketchy in windows 7. And

> yes a few will (might) work in Vista. Compatability mode can do it

> for a few in Vista or 7.

>

> Now I don't want to run and have to replace every single piece of

> software I have. Some will be in the near future. I have gotten the

> product life out of it and need new stuff. Some I have not, and am

> really trying to use to get Vista on here or 7. I can't rush though.

> I am sure I will be fine, yet I need to keep on learning, and be able

> to recover faster if there is a problem. I have gotten plenty of

> advice and help on this forum, mostly. Thank you again. Jsut kinda

> bored doing so much computer stuff, I want to do something

> else...........

>

> In the case of drivers: I thought I can just get those through

> automatic updates, or by going into control panel - hardware - device

> manager - right click and properties on said hardware - driver -

> update driver. Won't that automatically update them? The thing is: I

> did download the drivers form Acers site for my computer. I noticed

> some of them worked on my system, but were outdated. I did this

> process I listed above, and got a newer one. I really don't think

> some of those drivers are needed from the manufactures site. Maybe in

> most cases, but.......any thoughts or comments?